Rory McIlroy's Nike move edges closer as sponsorship deal ends

Rory McIlroy has worn the hotel chain's logo since turning professional in September 2007 but from next week he will be following in the footsteps of the former world No1, Tiger Woods. Photograph: Peter Byrne/PA

Rory McIlroy's switch to Nike moved a step closer on Tuesday when Jumeirah Group announced that it will not be renewing its sponsorship deal with the world No1.

McIlroy is understood to have earned around £4.4m from his five-year deal with the Dubai-based company. The news comes after Titleist and Oakley also ended relationships with the player late in 2012.

The Northern Irishman is expected to sign a 10-year deal with Nike which is reported to be worth £156m to the 23-year-old and will be introduced by the equipment supplier in Abu Dhabi next Monday.

Jumeirah Group sponsored the two-times major winner since he was 18 but said in a statement that it had "jointly agreed" to bring the agreement to a close.

McIlroy said: "Jumeirah became my first corporate sponsor when I turned professional back in 2007, and I would like to thank everyone at the company for their support in helping me become the player I am today."